Wet and wild in Shortsville

Saturday

Apr 26, 2014 at 7:01 PMApr 26, 2014 at 7:01 PM

Saturday's launch of the annual Wild Water Derby was cold and wet, but no less fun for paddlers and spectatorsBy Julie Sherwood jsherwood@messengerpostmedia.comMANCHESTER — Rafts of every size, shape and floatable material carried paddlers of all ages down the raging waters of the Canandaigua Outlet Saturday for the annual Wild Water Derby.The Shortsville/Manchester tradition of paddling, racing and festivities that began Saturday with a pancake breakfast, raft parade and race of kayaks, canoes and rafts, continues today with the Flat Water Regatta.Before the race took off from the outlet bank in Littleville, the crowds gathered as racers arrived with their vessels — everything from traditional canoes and kayaks to handmade rafts of various colors, shapes and sizes.One team, like many, comprised several friends who have been racing a raft for years in the event, which has been sponsored by the Shortsville-Manchester Area Chamber of Commerce since 2007. Racing their raft they named “Last Minute,” was Rob Young of Hopewell, Kyle O'Connors from Rochester, Dave Weibel from Canandaigua and AJ Hanna, a Canandaigua native who now lives in Detroit. Hanna said he returns home every year for the derby.“I wouldn't miss it,” said Hanna, who showed off the raft's features before the race that took place in the outlet's frigid 44-degree waters. The raft got its name because three years ago he and the others quickly constructed it days before the derby, said Hanna. They put together empty barrels that once held everything from maple syrup to antifreeze, added some padding for comfort and included a mini stereo system to play music.Clever and colorful was the name of the game with lots of rafts. Another was a big yellow one called C & J Excursions. The team was made up of Matt Shannon and Adam Sheldon of Shortsville, Everett Hughes and Mike Vienna of Phelps, Ben Caves of Clifton Springs and Jason Mark (that would be “Captain Jason Mark”) of Farmington. The big raft of wood and plastic barrels is the same one they ride every year and proved a winner in 2010 when they won the race, the guys said. Last year it was painted hot pink.The crowds that lined the bank and bridge for the launch of the race cheered on the paddlers who didn't seem phased by the cold water, chilly 50-degree air or bouts of rain that went from heavy to light but kept the day plenty wet nonetheless.“We are usually wearing shorts and T-shirts,” said Mark, who wore long pants and layers of clothing for this year's race. He and others agreed that nothing puts damper on the Wild Water Derby.The derby continues Sunday beginning at 10 a.m. with the Flat Water Regatta, going from Canandaigua Lake to Littleville. For more information, visit http://bit.ly/1nsC3i8.